InfoAnda - Indonesia eyes new capital as Jakarta bursts at seams

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

US auto suppliers seek US$25.5-bln bailout | 14 February 2009
Barclays to sell fund management arm to BlackRock | 8 June 2009
Hope Springs for senior sex in Meryl Streep comedy | | 10 August 2012

Cocoa smugglers on motorbikes evade Ivorian guards | | 10 March 2012

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Indonesia eyes new capital as Jakarta bursts at seams

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Indonesia eyes new capital as Jakarta bursts at seams Reuters - Thursday, August 26 Send IM Story Print By Sara Webb JONGGOL, Indonesia - A mere pinprick on the map of Java, Jonggol's cluster of tiny red-roofed houses set among banana groves and shimmering waterlogged rice fields may in years to come be destined for greater things. Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, population 9.59 million, is overcrowded, set in an earthquake zone, prone to flooding, and crippled by inadequate infrastructure. Now Jonggol is one of several sites being considered as a new administrative seat in a bid to relieve Jakarta's congestion, but at a potential cost of billions of dollars. This sudden thrust into the limelight appeals to some local residents in Jonggol, where few buildings exceed one storey and the nearest thing to a skyscraper is four floors high. "Now you can call this a village. I hope they will transform it into a city," said local resident Annur. "I don't mind if this becomes the capital, it would be more lively and beautiful." For years, Indonesia's growth has lagged that of China and India, held in check by poor infrastructure, endemic corruption, and ample red tape. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has floated the idea of moving part of the capital in recent months, and earlier this month proposed increasing infrastructure spending, with plans to build 14 new airports as well as roads and railways, to lure foreign investment and boost growth. "The government takes this idea seriously," Velix Wanggai, an advisor to Yudhoyono, told Reuters. "The president considers it normal to look at moving the capital because of Jakarta's urban problems, the risk of disaster, and heavy environmental toll." As Southeast Asia's largest economy and a G20 member, Indonesia is keen to raise its international profile. It has ambitions to join the emerging market elite of BRIC nations Brazil, Russia, India and China, is eying an investment-grade credit rating, and even wants to lop a few zeros off its currency so that everyday transactions no longer seem so third world, involving millions or billions of rupiah. A new capital could -- as was the case with Brasilia, studded with Oscar Niemeyers' architecture -- be an emblem of national coming-of-age with careful urban planning and new infrastructure. URBAN CHAOS To get a sense of Jakarta's infrastructural shortcomings, start at Soekarno-Hatta airport, Indonesia's busiest. At peak times the queues at the visa and immigration counters snake back several hundred metres, and it can take up to three hours for passengers to be reunited with their luggage. The drive into Jakarta's centre provides sweeping views of shopping malls set among slums and densely packed housing. Traffic crawls along at 15-20 km per hour, flooding is common during the heavy rains, power supplies are erratic, while Dutch-era canals serve as stinking open sewers for slumdwellers. Only the affluent, ensconced in compounds with guaranteed power and water supplies, live comfortably. "Anything that would lessen the congestion in Jakarta would be a blessing, so separating the business capital from the centre of government could be a positive," said Tim Condon, regional economist for ING. "But it's also a huge investment. These moves are typically driven by political rather than economic considerations, the desire to develop an alternative part of the country. Is it really going to pay off in terms of increased efficiency by decongesting Jakarta?" The choice of location can also lead to questions over government policy, and spur regional jealousies in a country composed of many different ethnic groups and religions. Of Indonesia's 17,000-odd islands it is Java, the cultural heart and home to 58 percent of Indonesians, which still calls the shots, making it the more likely site. "Java runs the country," said Condon, so a capital outside Java "would be pretty radical." Jonggol was first mooted by the autocratic former president, Suharto, who wanted one of his sons to develop the satellite town as a new capital. Today, the main property developers in the area include the Ciputra and Bakrie groups. Bakrie group and its property unit Bakrieland Development are owned by the family of Aburizal Bakrie, whose Golkar Party is part of the ruling coalition and who nurses presidential ambitions. Indonesia's two main state construction firms PT Wijaya Karya and PT Adhi Karya would likely gain from the development of a new city. Malang in East Java, and Palangkaraya and Jayapura, which are outside Java, are also being considered, said Wanggai. Palangkaraya, on the island of Borneo, was former President Sukarno's choice for the capital because of its position in a quake-free region at the very centre of the archipelago. A less likely site is Jayapura, at the easternmost extreme of Indonesia in resource-rich Papua, where the military has struggled to contain a decades-long secessionist movement. Despite its mineral, timber and energy reserves, Papua remains one of the poorest parts of the country. Building a new capital there would bring jobs and infrastructure, as well as an influx of Javanese and other ethnic groups, potentially diluting the Papuan majority and sowing further discontent. WHITE ELEPHANTS The cost of such grandiose mega-projects can easily run into billions of taxpayer dollars, providing opportunities for patronage and land speculation. "I think there are no successful examples. I don't think it's wise to take that direction," Kuntoro Mangkusubroto, head of Yudhoyono's presidential delivery unit, told Reuters. Astana, Kazakhstan's showcase new capital boasting Norman Foster's architecture, cost over $12 billion. Malaysia's Putrajaya, the administrative capital built 25 km south of Kuala Lumpur, was promoted and pushed through by former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad at an official cost of 11.83 billion ringgit . But while government and ruling party supporters see Putrajaya and its stylish Islamic architecture as a symbol of Malaysia's development, critics say it is a white elephant that may have cost far more than stated. South Korea's new seat of administration, Sejong, is expected to cost about $19 billion, the bulk of which will be borne by a state-run development company. A dozen government ministries and agencies, including the powerful Ministry of Strategy and Finance, will move to the new city, 150 km south of Seoul, to reduce congestion in the capital. "I don't see any strong benefits" for Indonesia, said Song Seng Wun, regional economist at CIMB Research. "Maybe a few civil servants get a nice new aircon office and nice scenery but for the man in the street who is trying to find work in a textile company it's about whether the government's policies can lift the wages of the ordinary people." Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles Democracy groups struggle to challenge Myanmar junta AFP - 16 minutes ago N.Korea leader nods to new generation in power AFP - 1 hour 1 minute ago Japan's Ozawa may drop from ruling party race - report Reuters - 1 hour 29 minutes ago U.S. Senator Kerry warns of instability in Pakistan Reuters - 2 hours 42 minutes ago Chinese police shoot Tibetan dead during protest Reuters - 2 hours 51 minutes ago News Search Top Stories Gun rampage leaves seven dead in Slovakia US spending, incomes edge upward Japan announces 920 bln yen stimulus package Sweden's HQ Bank announces involuntary liquidation Child health at risk from non-prescription drugs: study More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Earth's upper atmosphere shrinking, scientists say Russian spy courts new scandal with racy photo shoot Joy and tears greet US Army troops back from Iraq Paris Hilton arrested for cocaine possession Child health at risk from non-prescription drugs: study More Most Viewed » Obama endorses mosque plan near Ground Zero Earth's upper atmosphere shrinking, scientists say Tiger's ex breaks her silence on sex scandal Belgian man dies of South Asian superbug Most US students think Beethoven is a dog More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo! Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos World Cup 2010 Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Monday, 30 August 2010
Gun rampage leaves seven dead in Slovakia
Ten held over Beirut clash amid arms control talks
Exclusive: Obama to widen sanctions on North Korea |
US-TECH Summary
Anger at German banker's comments on Jews, Muslims
Infineon sells wireless group to Intel
Afghan president criticizes anti-terror strategy
Palestinian PM Fayyad says time for Israeli answers |
US spending, incomes edge upward
Moscow death rates 'up 50% in heatwave'
Nokia, Siemens confirm NSN investment talks: report
Somali rebels kill four AU peacekeepers |
Two Russian pilots abducted in Darfur: army
Abbas, Palestinians should die
Abducted U.S. aid worker released in Darfur |
Google acquires social networking startup Angstro
Sweden's HQ Bank announces involuntary liquidation
Israel won't extend settlement freeze ahead of talks
Iraq says sale of donated U.S. computers legal
Egypt urges EU to bolster U.S.-led Mideast peace bid |
Nine dead in Russian retirement home blaze
Japan announces 920 bln yen stimulus package
Iraqis say war "not ending" despite U.S. drawdown
Americans Spending Up In July
Seven U.S. troops killed in south Afghan bombings |
Zara takes the plunge into crowded online market
12 suspected rebels killed in Chechnya: president
Child health at risk from non-prescription drugs: study
Seven US troops, politician killed in Afghan attacks
Pastor Sent To Jail In Case Of Mistaken identity
North Korea's Kim says wants nuclear talks restarted |
France Socialists challenge Sarkozy on security
3PAR says HP acquisition bid 'superior' to Dell's
Joy and tears greet US Army troops back from Iraq
Suspect In Utah Sheriff Deputy's Death Arrested
Israeli actors boycott theatres in settlements
Sanofi-Aventis makes 18.5 bln dollar bid for US Genzyme
Serbia ready for Kosovo compromise, up to a point: Tadic
Public Protests over Unemployment in Saudi Arabia
Libya to free 38 radical Islamists: attorney general |
Analysis: Will battle for Kandahar win the war?
PR firm staff wrote iTunes 'customer' reviews
"The Last Exorcism" Finishes At 1st Place At The Weekend Box Office
Core business: Genome of the apple is laid bare
Car bomb kills Afghan official in east |
"American Idol" Still Pining Over Elton John To Be Judge
Suspicion of 'racist' thinking on Roma expulsions
Afghanistan's blasted Buddhas beckon tourists
Microsoft appeals to Supreme Court over i4i patent
Nearly 15,000 war missing still haunt the Balkans
Obama To Mark End Of Combat Missions In Iraq With Tuesday Address
Senator Kerry warns of instability in Pakistan |
Internet Age overhaul of USA Today to cost jobs
Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing On Georgia Golf Course
7 US troops killed in latest Afghanistan fighting
Putin opens Russian side of oil pipeline to China
Nokia, Siemens confirm NSN investment talks: report
Indian Born Archie Panjabi Takes Her First Emmy
Paris Hilton arrested for cocaine possession
Father Suspected In Fatal Arizona Shooting Found Dead
Lenovo to develop game consoles in China: report
Nokia and Intel launch joint research lab
Wife of ex-GOME chairman paroled in China
'Spiderman' arrested after scaling Sydney skyscraper
Human bones found at Australia backpacker murder site
Many evacuated as Indonesian volcano erupts again
Antigua, Caribbean brace for Hurricane Earl
Nokia, Intel say MeeGo software off to good start
Flood spares Pakistan city as waters recede
BlackBerry to offer India access: govt source |
Angelina Jolie to write, direct movie on Bosnia war
Australian 'kingmakers' resume talks
3M to buy Cogent for more than $900 million |
"Slumdog" helps usher in Hollywood's Indian era
Thousands flee Indonesian volcano
Tangible signs of life to arrive at 9/11 memorial
Intel seeks to close mobile gap with Infineon unit |
LG Display says in talks with Compal for JV
China, Russia boost efforts to save tigers
Britney Spears may return to "Glee"
Google acquires social networking startup Angstro |
7 Folsom inmates hurt after riot, shots fired
Taiwanese LCD maker files second suit against Sony
Bank of Japan announces fresh easing measures
Carter brings American home from North Korea
Online video key to Disney, Time Warner Cable row |
Jolie to star in romantic film set in Bosnian war: UNHCR
"Kingmakers" make new demands in Australia deadlock
Guard troops to deploy to Arizona border on Monday
Dell says assessing 3PAR offer after HP trumps bid |
Jolie to film love story set in Bosnia war
Brewer condemns report to UN mentioning Ariz. law
Iraq says sale of donated U.S. computers legal |
Accused Somali pirate pleads guilty in U.S. court
Nokia, Siemens confirm NSN investment talks: report |
Paul Allen's firm sues Silicon Valley giants |
Accused Russian arms trader blasts media coverage
Rossellini to head Berlin Film Festival jury
RIM looks forward as India, other challenges loom |
Drama series 'Mad Men' wins at Emmy awards
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
New faces keep Emmys broadcast fresh
"30 Rock" crushed at Emmys
Australia immigration prison riot hits second day
On Italian beaches, dog lifeguards are on watch
Indonesia eyes new capital as Jakarta bursts at seams
HBO leads Emmys pack, powered by "Temple Grandin"
CORRECTED
First-timers and new shows shake up Emmy awards
Pakistani central bank deputy seen getting top job
George Clooney wins humanitarian award at Emmys
Pakistan stocks end down; rupee weaker; o/n rates up
Time takes its toll on Latvia's 'Old Believers'
Japan announces fresh stimulus measures
Taiwan regulators to meet on stalled AIG unit deal
Emmy wins prove modern families are U.S. hits |
Japan announces 920 billion yen stimulus package
First-timers and new shows shake up Emmy awards |
HBO leads Emmys pack, powered by Temple Grandin |
China state giants outstrip private firms: report
S.Korea c.bank to buy back 2-year MSBs from Sept
New faces keep Emmys broadcast fresh |
George Clooney wins humanitarian award at Emmys |
India gives BlackBerry 60-day reprieve
30 Rock crushed at Emmys |
Seoul shares gain 1.8 pct on banks, steelmakers
Last Exorcism edges out Takers at box office |
Venice festival gambles on youth, movie mavericks |
Paris Hilton released after cocaine arrest: lawyer |
Lennon's toilet sells for $14,740 at UK auction |
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01